THE CROSSBILL. 317 



pecking a liole in the shell, and then enlarging it 

 by wrenching off pieces by the lateral power." 

 These birds feed very voraciously, and in captivity 

 are remarkably tame, not caring for the presence 

 of strangers, but perpetually cheerful, and flut- 

 tering and jumping about in the most lively 

 manner ; sleeping in what would seem to us the 

 most uncomfortable position, by holding themselves 

 with their claws to the side of the cage. 



In the wild state the crossbills are the most 

 unsuspicious of birds ; and until painful experience 

 has taught them the meaning of the sound of the 

 gun, they evince no terror at it. When they first 

 come to our plantations, they will hear the report 

 quite near them, and continue eating the fir-seeds, 

 as if secure from danger ; and even when footsteps 

 are approaching, will cling, in happy confidence, 

 to the bough, looking brightly and cheerfully at 

 the comer; and on the first arrival, will, when 

 fatigued, suffer themselves to be taken by the 

 hand, unresistingly. Even when some alarm has 

 been caused by the death of a companion by the 

 gun, the other birds will only retreat a little 

 farther into the green boughs, and one of their 

 number will, from the topmost branch, act like a 

 sentinel, and give timely warning of danger. 



